Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Deaton.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always owned a camera since I can remember. I had a Kodak film Barbie camera in the 90’s that my mom purchased for me and I was always obsessed with her film camera growing up. As technology grew- I purchased my first digital camera and then I remember my first digital camcorder of course always borrowing my grandpa’s cameras because he took a camera everywhere with him. I always had a need for more! Eventually phones evolved enough that our phone camera was just enough to be better than the digital camera we owned.
When I had my children (2012 & 2014) I got my hands on a Nikon from marketplace- but I couldn’t change out the lens. So, it wasn’t what I was looking for. I used it as much as I could and as much as it would function and eventually handed it down to my daughter. I borrowed my mother-in-law’s camera a handful of times. I took video on my phone when my daughter was playing softball- just so the girls could see their form. When I had to ask to borrow the camera again the last time, I knew it was what I really wanted to do- but I didn’t have the time nor money. Fast forward through a few hard seasons and a couple of hard losses- my sister-in-law was selling her canon after her upgrade and I got my hands on it. After twenty years, December 2023, my parents closed down their Carryout due to my mom’s health and I finally got to move on with me and my life and do what I wanted to do. This whole time yes- I was not only working my full time job and raising a family, but I was still working weekends for my parents. Once they closed, I decided to go full force and then I opened my own photography business while working full time, going to school for business, raising two kids and maintaining my marriage. It was a lot, but it worked and here we are!
We won’t go through the random things I’d shot and video-graphed as I was growing up because let’s be honest- The Blair Witch Project was hilarious to me and I think we had to of recreated it at least eighty times. You know the exact scene I’m talking about. I also remember my husband finding a documentary style tape about how I loved my brother… Fast forward to when I took things a little more serious and where I started by following my daughter around with her club soccer team, Northern Alliance. In the winter I love to sit on the gym floor during her basketball season following around the Lady Indians, capturing images the girls wouldn’t normally get to see of themselves. Seeing the absolute glow when they see themselves shooting or defending makes my day! Then this past winter I got into markets and signed up to do “Minis At The Market” where I set up with a backdrop and props to choose from. Clients could pay $10/mini session or $3/mini Polaroid!
I just kept shooting and taking photos of anything and everything. I still do! I love the eye roll my daughter gives because I yell, “hold on I have to grab my camera!”
This November, I cleaned out my home to open up a home studio in my breakfast nook because at the time it was perfect for the small amount of clients I had! Then, I expanded and opened up into my garage- where I do my fire sessions! (Just so I don’t burn the house down- but there’s plenty of protocols we follow!) They are popular with sports, but you can be anything and book a fire session with me!
I’m still building clients and the ones I do have are loyal and I absolutely adore them!
I think some of my favorite sessions are branding sessions- each business I meet is unique in their own way, and there is always a story behind why they decided to open their business or why the building they are in. I love learning about my clients and I love to give and help people grow!
They’ve all helped me grow into what and who I am today without even realizing it.
I registered my business officially as an LLC earlier this year, in March I left my factory job and joined Paul Sherry Chrysler as their full time photographer, media/marketer and I couldn’t be more happy with where I am and the decisions I’ve made! Now here I am, multi-published and thriving!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never ever a smooth road. Like anything else I had to learn how to use a camera. You can’t just pick it up and go- there is much more to it. I’ve had to take classes and lessons and research over again and I still learn new things all the time. Technology is still growing and so we have to grow with it. Another big struggle I would have to say, is the competition and other photographers around me. Not all speak for our entire group because I have met some really amazing artists! I have a list with a few that I have personally chosen that I will call for backup or put in place of myself if I can’t take on the job due to scheduling conflicts. Even though I believe social media can be super convenient for building clients, I firmly believe in professionalism, respect, and protecting the space I’ve worked so hard to create. Whether you’re another business, a client, a peer, or simply a stranger—if you cross the line, I will not hesitate to block you.
My energy is focused on creating meaningful experiences, capturing special moments, and running a business built on trust and integrity. Disrespect, negativity, or unwanted drama have no place here.
I stand by my boundaries and will always prioritize my business, my well-being, and the community I’ve cultivated.
As you know, we’re big fans of Top Shots by Jen LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Top Shots by Jen LLC is a photography business that specializes in capturing authentic moments for families, couples, individuals, and events. I pride myself on creating a comfortable, relaxed environment so my clients feel natural in front of the camera. My style is a blend of candid storytelling and timeless portraiture, allowing my clients to walk away with beautiful memories they’ll cherish forever. What sets me apart is my ability to connect personally with each client, ensuring their unique personality shines through in every shot. I’m most proud of the loyal community I’ve built and the trust my clients place in me to capture their most meaningful milestones. At Top Shots by Jen, my goal is simple: to provide high-quality, affordable photography that feels personal, fun, and unforgettable!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
BIG NEWS!! Not only do I have all these amazing events I’m holding and get to be part of, I will be opening up studio space in Piqua Center instead of being stuck in my home studio and garage! This is huge for not only myself, but I believe also for Piqua Center! My idea is not only to have somewhere during days the weather is bad or when I need certain setups, but I will have the opportunity to cross promote with the other businesses and collaborate!
There’s just something poetic about the bones of a place that raised you. I grew up watching the Piqua Center go from buzzing Saturday hangouts and pretzel runs to a quiet, hollow shell of what it once was. I wandered those corridors when they were alive with teenage laughter and holiday madness, and I watched as each storefront dimmed its lights for good. Now I get to watch it breathe again. The Piqua Center isn’t just a name change—it’s a resurrection. A chance for this place to write a new chapter. It’s the rarest of full-circle moments: to stand in the ruins of what shaped you and witness its rebuild—not just in bricks and beams, but in possibility. I get to tell my story alongside its revival. That’s not just sweet—it’s serendipity.
July 4th at Piqua Fest at Piqua Center, I will be there shooting the car show and pinup contest- this year they have added “Princess of the Car Show.”
I’m holding a vendor event on the lot at Paul Sherry called “Christmas in July: Jingle and Mingle Market” this coming July 26th- I have food trucks, vendors and live music!
Jeep Jam at Piqua Center which is sponsored by Paul Sherry Chrysler and Crown Health is August 9th, which is also the start of the second Saturday vendor event season- there will be food trucks, vendors, live music, raffles & more! Judging begins at noon!
If you want to keep up with me, I update my website once a week to keep up with my “upcoming events” page and you can find that here!
https://www.topshotsbyjenllc.com/upcoming-events/
I am also very active on Instagram and Facebook which you can find here-
https://www.facebook.com/share/19GTzk9hkj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/top_shots_by_jenllc?igsh=MTd5MzVwZ3MxbmtwNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Of course the link to my full gallery! I love to go back and see my growth and I can’t wait to see it three more years from now! Thank you to each and every one of you who have supported me throughout this amazing journey!
https://topshotsbyjen.pixieset.com/
Let’s be real: not everyone gets to watch a dream collapse and rise, stronger and better than ever. But I do. Right here, in the heart of Piqua. And you better believe I’ll be cheering it on with my camera in one hand and my whole heart in the other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.topshotsbyjenllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top_shots_by_jenllc?igsh=MTd5MzVwZ3MxbmtwNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FiimazCpC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-deaton-07ba21337?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://topshotsbyjen.pixieset.com/
